EQ settings, etc. for different techniques- need some guidance

[redcloud]

Bear in mind, I am technologically challenged.
 
Are there some generalities?  Since I am a bass newbie, I seem to spend a lot of time using trial and error trying to find the tone I want and I know paractice will make it easier.  
 
Yet, are there certain EQ settings that work best for finger style versus slap versus using a pick?  Other than having a dead battery, are there techniques that work better passively?  Does using a compressor function or compressor pedal work better with certain techniques?
 
My equipment includes: Alembic Essence 4, Alembic Sig. Std. balanced K omega, Carvin LB76WP, Carvin MB-12 combo, and a PJB Roadcase BG-800.

[ajdover]

I have both an Essence and a Stanley Clarke Sig Std.  My rig is an F1-X, SF-2, QSC 1804 into Ampeg BXT Cabs (2X10, 1X15, and 4X10), and I also have a Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout Combo (12 speaker) and a Phil Jones Bass Briefcase.
 
What I've found with the Essence and the SC Sig Standard is that I set the bass, treble and mids on the amps fairly equal (either boosted or cut) and use the eq on the bass to even things out.  In other words, I dial in a tone I like, then tweak it from the bass itself.  This is one of the things I like about Essence/Sig electronics - they're simple to use, and easy to dial things in.  Same goes for my Series II, as I tend to boost the CVQ all the way, and only deal with the filters as tone modifiers.
 
For me, on the Essence, I use the pan pot about half way back towards the bridge pickup, and roll off the filter as needed for certain tones.  On the SC Sig Std, I have more options, but both Q-Switches remain on, and then I adjust the filters as needed depending on the tune.  I'm mostly a finger style player, so this works for me.
 
If, on the other hand, I'm doing slap, the filters are usually wide open.  It gives you that very hi-fi top end you like with slap, IMHO.
 
As for a pick, I've used the above settings successfully.  Of course, only you can be the judge of what works for you.
 
My suggestion is to experiment and find out the best combination of amp/instrument settings that work for you, and go from there.  Hope this helps.
 
Alan

[redcloud]

Thanx for your input and information.  It is helpful.
 
scott

[dannobasso]

Congrats on the new amp. Personally, I set my amp with about everything mid way except output and make any changes on the bass itself. Also practice using your fingers for tone changes , attack, position etc. Alembics put out exactly what you put into them. But above all, enjoy yourself and have fun with the process!

[cozmik_cowboy]

I set the bass, treble and mids on the amps fairly equal (either boosted or cut)  
 
Might I ask for a clarification, Alan?  As flat on the F1-X is about 2-10-2, you running the knobs equal (which should give a big mid scoop)or the frequency response equal (which would seem to be limited to the 2-10-2 setting - or 1-9-1)?
 
Peter

[ajdover]

Peter,
 
    When I say equal, I mean they're set at the same dial setting, e.g., one o'clock, two o'clock, etc.  On the F-1X, I usually dial in a bit more mids (meaning I dial back on the lows/highs) a bit.  On my Mesa Boogie, it's fairly equal.  The Phil Jone's bass has a graphic eq, so it kind of looks like a w.  Does that help?
 
Alan

[cozmik_cowboy]

Thanks; I understand now.
 
Peter
 
ps - I've been using your I don't want people to get up from my table.... line a lot; I love it. I do, of course, credit you.

[tncaveman]

I have a GK Micro bass amp and 10 cabinet and was wanting to get some better sounds.  I bought the amp used and did not have a manual.  I found a PDF of the manual and it had some great info on settings for different sounds.  This really helped.
 
Another thing is clean or fresh strings.  I play a couple of times a week and need to boil my strings about every two to three months or so and put new strings on once or twice a year.  I use D'addario light round nickels.  When the strings are dirty (skin oil build up), it will make the bass sound quite dead.  
 
After I found settings I like, I generally change only the boost switches on my Rogue.  With fingers, I usually have both on boost and with a pick, I drop the high boost to normal.
 
I love my bass because of the great tones I can make with it.  This Sunday, it was awesome sounding.  One of the best purchases I have ever made (the GK amp too).
 
Stephen

[811952]

I find that when I'm not playing the Series bass, I tend to boost things way too much on the instrument and create a sonic mess.  A healthy (for me at least) exercise is to leave whatever bass you're using's tone controls set to flat, as well as leaving the amp set to flat, and see what changes you can arrive at using only your finger placement as you pick or pluck.  Find out what gets you closest that way, then experiment with subtle changes to your eq on the amp.  Nothing major, no bass on 11 stuff, but enough to get identify what gets you close and hopefully maybe what overall settings you can live with so you aren't walking back to your tone controls between every song.  Then, play with subtracting frequencies on the basses to get what you like, inconjunction with the plucking/picking adjustments you've made.  The hardest thing for me to get my head around was the concept that the Alembic approach to tone with the filters is largely to remove what isn't wanted, rather than add what is.  Approaching all of your instruments from this same perspective will help you get better sounds from all of them much more easily than having to mentally switch gears with each instrument.
 
I know, blah blah blah and I type too much, but think about it and maybe there's something you can use..
 
John